Simin Bashirfarahmand Mozayeni

April 12, 1943 ~ July 8, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Simin Bashirfarahmand Mozayeni, 82, of Newburgh, New York. She passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025.

Simin was born on April 12, 1943, in Rudsar, Gilan Prov­ince, Iran, into a family rooted in justice, compassion, and discipline. Her home life centered around memorable meals, family, and academics, values that shaped her life.

On June 1, 1961 she married Dr. Morteza Mozayeni in Tehran. They had two sons, Bobak and Reza Mozayeni, and together moved to Maine in 1965. Two years later they moved to New York where they eventually welcomed their third son, Cyrus Mozayeni.

While raising her family, Simin attended SUNY Albany and SUNY New Paltz for her undergraduate studies, and lat­er earned her PhD and Master of Philosophy in Econom­ics from Columbia University. She completed her doctoral dissertation on housing values and public services in 1989.

Soon after, Simin began teaching at Vassar College and re­turned to SUNY New Paltz as a Professor of Economics in 1990. Over three decades, Dr. Mozayeni held numerous leadership positions within the Economics Department, the University, and the larger economics profession at national and international levels, building an outstanding record of teaching, scholarship, and service. In those capacities, she chaired the Economics Department, served as Presiding Officer of the Faculty, and chaired numerous conference sessions. She was instrumental in developing the innova­tive Dual-Degree Program with Istanbul Technical Uni­versity, creating a coherent undergraduate education for students who studied in both Turkey and the United States.

In consideration of her sustained leadership and service, SUNY New Paltz's President recommended Dr. Mozayeni for the Chancellor Award for Faculty Service, which she received in 2019. Eligibility for this award requires a sus­tained record of exemplary service emulated by other fac­ulty members across 64 SUNY campuses. Dr. Mozayeni's accolades also include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2020, recognizing her prolonged service to academia and leadership. This award is given to distinguished leaders in civil service and industry.

Dr. Mozayeni authored and reviewed numerous scholarly articles spanning economics and multidisciplinary topics, published in national and international journals. She pre­sented at conferences worldwide and later explored the in­tersection of economics and art, weaving her quantitative skills with artistic vision.

Dr. Mozayeni retired as an Emeritus Professor on March 18, 2024. Many of her students and colleagues maintained contact with her, as they considered her a role model.

Simin was a woman of strength, tenacity, and elegance. She held high standards in all aspects of life: education, work, hospitality, and care for others. She had an impeccable fashion sense, always captivating people with her ornate, carefully crafted outfits and accessories.

Her beautiful, gallery-like home, filled with stunning art, was a testament to her eye for design. Her hospitality was reflected in thoughtful gestures, meticulous preparation, and delicious meals, making everyone feel special and welcomed.

A devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Simin shared her loved one's achievements with pride and enthusiasm. She was an outspoken leader with a gen­erous heart, who had an impactful presence and life story.

Simin is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Morteza Mo­zayeni, their children: Dr. Bobak Robert Mozayeni, Dr. Reza Michael Mozayeni, and Dr. Cyrus David Mozayeni, and daughters-in-law: Suzanne, Kristen, and Susan Mozay­eni. She was a proud grandmother to Robert Soren, Magno­lia, Alec, Kayla, Hanna, Aidan, and Leo Mozayeni. She was preceded in death by her sister Dr. Jaleh Farahmand and is also survived by her sisters Homa and Shakiba Bashir Far­ahmand, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cous­ins, and cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held in August for close family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all friends, col­leagues, caregivers, and institutions who offered their gen­erosity, support, and kindness during Simin's final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the SUNY New Paltz Economics Department , in honor of Simin's lifelong commitment to higher education and supporting students.